Works of Antoni Gaudí
Barcelona, Spain
30.04.2011
The Works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, is home to one of the most fascinating World Heritage Sites - the Works of Antoni Gaudí. This collection of seven unique buildings, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, showcases his distinct style and creativity. These buildings are a testament to Gaudi's genius and his contribution to the world of architecture.
The first of these works is the iconic Sagrada Família, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. This unfinished masterpiece is an extraordinary mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, with its towering spires and intricate façade. Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882 and is still ongoing, with an estimated completion date of 2026, making it one of the longest-running architectural projects in the world.
Casa Batlló, another impressive building by Gaudí, is located in the heart of Barcelona on the famous Passeig de Gràcia. This residential building, built between 1904 and 1906, is known for its colorful and whimsical design, with its undulating façade and colorful mosaics. The interior of the building is just as impressive, with curved lines and organic shapes throughout.
The Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is another must-see Gaudí masterpiece. This residential building, built between 1906 and 1912, is characterized by its unique undulating stone façade and wrought iron balconies. The rooftop, with its famous chimneys, offers stunning views of the city.
Gaudí's Park Güell, located on Carmel Hill, is a public park that was originally intended to be a luxury housing development. The park is famous for its vibrant mosaics, curving stone benches, and stunning views of Barcelona. Gaudí's house, now a museum, is also located within the park.
Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Gaudí, is a prime example of his early work and is characterized by its mix of architectural styles and vibrant colors. This house, built between 1883 and 1885, is now open to the public and offers a glimpse into the early years of Gaudí's career.
The Palau Güell, a mansion commissioned by Gaudí's patron, Eusebi Güell, is another gem in Barcelona. This palace, built between 1886 and 1890, showcases Gaudí's use of innovative structural techniques and his love for vibrant colors and organic shapes.
Lastly, the Crypt of the Colònia Güell, located just outside of Barcelona, is a unique architectural masterpiece that combines Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. This unfinished church, built between 1898 and 1915, is known for its intricate architecture and its famous twisted columns.
The Works of Antoni Gaudí are not only an important part of Barcelona's cultural heritage, but they also represent a significant contribution to the world of architecture. These buildings continue to inspire and awe visitors with their unique designs and innovative techniques.
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Seven properties built by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona testify to Gaudí’s exceptional creative contribution to the development of architecture and building technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These monuments represent an eclectic, as well as a very personal, style which was given free reign in the design of gardens, sculpture and all decorative arts, as well as architecture. The seven buildings are: Parque Güell; Palacio Güell; Casa Mila; Casa Vicens; Gaudí’s work on the Nativity façade and Crypt of La Sagrada Familia; Casa Batlló; Crypt in Colonia Güell.
Antoni Gaudí i Cornet ( gow-DEE, GOW-dee, Catalan: [ənˈtɔni ɣəwˈði]; 25 June 1852 – 10 June 1926) was a Spanish architect and designer from Catalonia, known as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism. Gaudí's works have a sui generis style. Most are located in Barcelona, including his main work, the Sagrada Família church.
Gaudí's work was influenced by his passions in life: architecture, nature, and religion. He considered every detail of his creations. His work combined crafts such as ceramics, stained glass, wrought ironwork forging, and carpentry. He introduced new techniques in the treatment of materials, such as trencadís which used waste ceramic pieces.
Under the influence of neo-Gothic art and Oriental techniques, Gaudí became part of the Modernista movement which peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work transcended mainstream Modernisme, culminating in a style inspired by natural forms. Gaudí rarely drew detailed plans of his works, instead preferring to create them as three-dimensional scale models and moulding the details as he conceived them.
Gaudí's work enjoys global popularity and continuing admiration and study. His masterpiece, the still-incomplete Sagrada Família, is the most-visited monument in Spain. Between 1984 and 2005, seven of his works were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Gaudí's Catholic faith intensified during his life and religious images appear in many of his works. This earned him the nickname "God's Architect". His cause for canonization was opened in the Archdiocese of Barcelona in 2003.
